Campaigners gather in Chesterfield to call for ‘new deal’ for Amazon workers

Unite campaigners were outside Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire on Thursday morning to spread the word about the hotline.

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They are demanding a ‘new deal’ for Amazon workers, including a union and a greater share of the firm's profits.

Sharon Graham, Unite executive officer, said: “This corporate giant has made billions off the backs of workers.

“Amazon resists any attempts by workers to gain a collective voice of their own.

“It is now time that workers have a voice

“Calls are growing for a new deal for Amazon workers.

“Action on Amazon campaigners were at the Crooked Spire to spread the word that Amazon workers in Barlborough can contact us confidentially by calling Unite’s hotline.”

The hotline number is 08000 141 461. For more information about it, visit www.actiononamazon.org/hotline.

According to Unite, Amazon’s total net sales attributable to the UK increased by 82 per cent between 2018 and 2020.

“But Amazon strongly resists attempts by workers to gain a collective voice of their own,” a Unite spokesperson added.

An Amazon spokesperson said: “The fact is we already offer our employees excellent pay, excellent benefits and excellent opportunities for career growth – all while working in a safe, modern work environment.

“Our competitive wages start at £9.70 or £10.80 per hour depending on location, and we would encourage anyone to compare this to the wages and benefits offered by other retailers.

“We are proud to have created 10,000 new permanent roles across the UK in 2020, taking our total permanent UK workforce to more than 40,000.

“Our people have played a critical role in serving customers in these unprecedented times, and the new roles help us continue to meet customer demand and support small and medium sized businesses selling on Amazon.”

The spokesperson added that Amazon respects employees’ right to join, form or not to join a labour union or other lawful organisation of their own selection.

“Across Amazon, including in our fulfilment centres, we place enormous value on having daily conversations with each employee and work to make sure direct engagement with our employees is a strong part of our work culture,” they said.

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